The One-Stop Shop for the Design, Construction and Maintenance of All Equipment and Parts in a Commercial Kitchen

Written by Masoud Farazandeh on February 1, 2023. Posted in Air Duct, Commercial Hood System, Commercial Kitchen Cleaning, Commercial Kitchens, Exhaust System Cleaning, Fire Suppression Services, Grease Traps, Hood Installation, HVAC, Makeup Air, Pressure Washing, Restaurant Cleaning, Restaurant Cleaning Instructions

The overall design of a restaurant and large kitchen has a massive impact on the staff and guests as well as the restaurant’s profitability. A great deal of planning goes behind how exactly all the cooking appliances and equipment will be arranged in the available space in order to make the kitchen both safe and comfortable for the employees to work in. During the construction of a restaurant, professionals pay serious attention and adhere to all the building and fire safety codes as prescribed by the local authorities. Whether it is the cooking appliances, water supply, drainage, heating and ventilation systems, every part and component of all the systems and units must be designed in a highly effective and accurate manner.

If you plan to build a new restaurant or remodel an existing one, you should reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, CO, a highly trusted company that specializes in commercial kitchen design, exhaust hood installation, HVAC installation, kitchen equipment cleaning, restaurant hood repair, duct repair etc.

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The Restaurant Industry Has Reinvented Itself!

Over the last one decade, the restaurant industry has evolved and come a long way. This is to keep pace with the changing demands of the customers as well as the changing codes, laws and regulations.

When you start designing and building a kitchen, the first thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with the recent developments in the restaurant and commercial kitchen industry. If you are up-to-date, it will become easier to build a restaurant and commercial kitchen that caters to the specific needs of the modern-day guests and keep the employees happy. Right from investing in the right type of commercial cooking appliances to the methods of installation, you should carry out every project with a focus on the changing needs. Food safety, food handling practices and waste management should be paid serious attention.

Not just design and construction, but the maintenance of all cooking appliances and equipment in the commercial kitchen is an important concern. That is exactly why it is crucial to work with those professionals who have deep expertise in building a large kitchen from the scratch level.

Designing a Restaurant Floor Plan

A restaurant floor plan contains all the details about the physical arrangement of the cooking appliances and equipment and all other components including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, freezers, mixers, slicers, range hoods, sinks, fire suppression systems, tables, chairs, entrance area, waiting area, windows, doors, emergency exits and a lot more. If you plan to design and construct a large kitchen, the planning stage is of utmost importance. Here, it is extremely important to understand that one size does not fit all, particularly when it comes to designing restaurants and commercial kitchens. Every floor is different and unique.

It is the job of experts to create an ideal floor plan for a restaurant based on the specific needs of that restaurant. Design engineers and professionals are quite well-versed as to how the space can be maximized and made functional and practical for a hassle-free working experience in the kitchen.

Most importantly, the floor plan should be designed in accordance with the building and safety codes. A commercial kitchen is designed for employees in the first place and the dining area for guests in the first place. When a restaurant is designed and constructed, the focus should remain on the needs of the average customer. Apart from APS Hoods, we operate two other sister companies including the Hood Builder and Nationwide Fire Protection to provide clients with a one-stop shop where they can get all services for building a commercial kitchen, completing all the technician works and installation and maintenance of all cooking appliances.

To find out more about what exactly a restaurant and commercial kitchen floor plan will be designed and what it will include, reach out to one of our highly trained professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.

What Equipment You Need in a Commercial Kitchen

The kitchen is the core part of a restaurant. It is the kitchen where all the different types of foods are prepared and dishes are cooked. A commercial kitchen has a wide range of cooking appliances and equipment to perform different functions for proper cooking and food preparation. The actual selection of the kitchen equipment depends on what kind of menu you have for guests.

Here is a list of some of the most important appliances and equipment you will need in your large, commercial kitchen.

Ovens

The moment you think about a restaurant kitchen, oven is the first word that comes to your mind. Before you choose ovens, you should be clear about exactly what type of restaurant you plan to operate. There are both specific ovens as well as multipurpose ovens. It is important to understand that ovens occupy a lot of space inside a kitchen. That is why you need to pick the right size and quality of commercial oven. It is always best to go through online reviews and testimonials before you invest in the right type and brand of commercial ovens. Always go for oven brands that have a solid reputation for providing top quality for years.

With our professionals by your side, you will find it easy to select the right type, size and quality of ovens for your commercial kitchen.

Exhaust Hoods

The air inside a commercial kitchen becomes contaminated and polluted due to the production of a large amount of heat and smoke. The function of exhaust hoods is to throw the contaminated air out in order to maintain better air quality inside the kitchen. There are two main types of kitchen hoods including Type I and Type II. Based on what type of cooking will be done in your commercial kitchen, you will need to select either the Type I or Type II exhaust hoods.

Range hoods or exhaust hoods are one of the most crucial pieces of commercial kitchen equipment. Experts will custom-design exhaust foods to fit the exact needs and size of the cooking station.

Heating and Air Conditioning

A perfect commercial kitchen offers a fully safe and comfortable working environment for employees. Without proper heating and air-conditioning, working inside the kitchen will be extremely difficult and unsafe.

No matter what season or weather it is, a properly installed heating and air-conditioning system will create a safe working environment. However, setting up this entire system requires planning. The heating and air-conditioning system is designed as per the size and type of your kitchen. While correct installation is essential, it is also important to give the system regular maintenance.

Ventilation

Like you design and plan for everything else, you should also plan for kitchen ventilation in a proper manner. Since a lot of people work inside the kitchen, it becomes crowded as well as sweaty.

Using a high quality HVAC system, you will be able to take care of each including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning together. If your kitchen is well-ventilated, the indoor air quality will improve and offer employees a cool and comfortable working environment for the staff. When it comes to the ventilation hood installation, it is very important to carry out the entire project while following all codes and safety regulations. The vent hoods should also be powerful enough to pull out contaminated air and pull in fresh air without any hassle.

HVAC makeup air and ventilation air volume are important considerations during the design and installation of the vent hood system. At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we possess sound expertise in designing ventilation hood systems as well as provide HVAC service, HVAC repair and HVAC balancing. Feel free to get in touch with one of our experts to get more information.

Food Processors

Food processors are one of the most useful equipment placed in a restaurant kitchen. Whether it is chopping, slicing or blending, food processors make all these tasks feel like a breeze. When looking for these appliances, you will come across different types and varieties. Based on your exact needs, you should purchase the right type of food processors for your commercial kitchen. Some popular types of these processors include Batch bowl food processors, Continuous feed food processors, buffalo choppers etc. Over the years, the design of food processors has also evolved to maximize functions. When looking for these appliances, you should definitely take a look at the products’ horsepower ratings.

Slicers

When it comes to the selection of food slicers, you should take your menu into account. Without having slicers, the staff will have a hard time prepping food. You should always select the most ideal type of food slicers for your commercial kitchen. Slicers are available with different horsepower capacities. If you will do a great deal of slicing in your kitchen, go for high HP slicers.

Freezers and Refrigerators

Refrigerators are essential equipment for storing foods and ingredients. You will need a highly efficient refrigeration system both for storing food as well as managing your inventory. Freezers and refrigerators used in a large kitchen are commercial-grade. These refrigerators are designed to fulfill the specific needs of a commercial kitchen on an everyday basis. Depending on what type of restaurant you plan to build, you can choose either reach-in or walk-in refrigerators.

Walk-in refrigerators are custom-designed to suit the specific needs of large restaurant kitchens. To find out more about what type of refrigeration system will be best for your kitchen, you should seek the help of experts.

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance

Building a large, commercial kitchen is a big investment. That is exactly why you need to pay serious attention to the proper cleaning and maintenance of every area, part and component of the restaurant kitchen.

Giving your commercial kitchen proper maintenance will extend the life of all the appliances, equipment and units. While you may want to do some general cleaning on your own, you should always call in professionals to clean all the commercial-grade equipment and cooking appliances. Without proper training, cleaning these appliances can be unsafe and dangerous. Plus, you may even end up damaging the expensive equipment in the process. Cleaning and maintenance of ovens, refrigeration system, exhaust hood system, cold rooms and fryers requires training and certification. At APS Hoods, we specialize exhaust system cleaning, grease trap cleaning, trash chute cleaning, kitchen equipment cleaning, range hood cleaning and duct cleaning as well as wall and floor cleaning.

Timely cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances will help you boost efficiency and avoid costly repairs. Our company has a well-defined procedure in place for restaurant hood cleaning. Our professional cleaning includes degreasing the hoods, removal of grease deposits from other components and cleaning the duct work as well as repairing the exhaust hood fan belts.

Why You Should Work with Us

Whether it is the design and construction of a commercial kitchen or its proper cleaning and maintenance, we are your one-stop solution to all the needs. In addition to APS Hoods, we run two other companies to provide you all restaurant-related services under one umbrella. With our expertly trained professionals, you will be able to design and build the restaurant and commercial kitchen of your dreams while staying compliant to all the codes, laws and regulations.

Our track record for accomplishing restaurant building projects is well-proven. We cater to the needs of restaurants, hotels, food establishments, cafeteria, coffee shops and cooking facilities all across Denver, CO.

Talk to a Commercial Kitchen Design Specialist

Do you plan to launch your new restaurant and commercial kitchen soon? Whether you want to open a new one or remodel an existing one, head over to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Being a restaurant construction and design company, we provide complete restaurant building services including the entire design, construction and maintenance as well as all the technical work. Our professionals will help you set up a restaurant, commercial kitchen, cafeteria, dining establishment or cooking facility while abiding by all the essential codes and regulations.

Along with APS Hoods, we also run Hood Builder and Nationwide Fire Protection to bring you all the restaurant design-related services in one place. For your free consultation with one of our specialists, you can either call our office phone number or write to us using the contact form.

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HVAC Inspect, Troubleshooting and Repair

Written by Masoud Farazandeh on March 29, 2022. Posted in HVAC, Makeup Air

No matter when your HVAC system fails, it will cause discomfort to the kitchen staff and disrupt business. If you have outfitted your commercial kitchen with an HVAC system, you should get a timely inspection and quickly troubleshoot issues so that repair can be affordable. Ignoring or delaying repairs of the system can lead to costly repairs later. Worse still, you may need to replace the entire unit with a new one for proper indoor quality, health, and safety. Always seek the services of professionals to maintain your HVAC system in an effective manner. Outages happen mainly due to a lack of maintenance. Therefore, it is key to understand the importance of regular maintenance.

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What is HVAC?

An HVAC or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition system is installed to heat or cool a building or facility. It keeps the space cool during summers and warm during winters. Key components of the system include an A/C unit, heat pump, furnace, etc. The main purpose of designing and installing such a system is to comply with the environmental requirements for the comfort of people. You’ll find the usage of HVAC systems in a wide range of facilities including industrial, commercial, and residential.

HVAC Inspection

Once you have outfitted your commercial kitchen or restaurant with a high quality HVAC system, it should be your top priority to keep it operational at all times. No matter what time of the year it is, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system should work properly to meet your facility’s comfort needs. Regular inspection is a surefire way to maintain a proper HVAC system. At the APS Hoods, we provide HVAC inspection by highly experienced professionals. The HVAC inspection procedure consists of multiple steps. Each step should be carried out in a correct and safe manner by experienced professionals while adhering to all the necessary safety guidelines.

Run a Thermostat Test:

The system inspection begins with a thermostat test in which the HVAC technician finds out whether it is working in an efficient manner. The technician checks whether the heating and cooling mechanisms have any issues when turned on and turned off.

Inspect Air Filters:

The function of HVAC air filters is to purify the air of impurities such as dust, dander, pollen, etc. The inspection finds out whether the air filters are in good condition to properly purify the air.

Evaluate Air Flow:

Measuring the airflow through the HVAC ducts and equipment is an important step in the overall inspection process. If the airflow is not proper, the system will not heat and cool the facility in an efficient manner. So, the technician finds out whether the airflow rate is at a typical level.

Check Refrigerant Level:

Low refrigerant level prolongs the time taken for the HVAC system to cool off the space. Ultimately, it leads to high energy consumption. During the inspection, the technician checks whether the refrigerant level is optimum for the AC unit to function properly.

Check Heater/ Furnace:

It is crucial to inspect if the heater or the furnace is working with maximum efficiency. In order to do that, the HVAC technician turns on the heating element and then measures the temperature of the air. Insufficient heating means the heating element has an issue.

Check the Blower Motor:

The blower motor is a crucial component of every HVAC system. If it does not operate properly, the system will not give the desired results. The technician will inspect the motor and find out if it has any issues. Loud or unusual noises coming from the motor mean there is something wrong. There are many other warning signs of a faulty HVAC motor as well.

Other Components:

In addition to these, there are multiple other components that need to be inspected. The HVAC technician will conduct an inspection of each and every part of the system including the condenser, evaporation coil, and all the electrical parts as well as the compressor. During the inspection, the HVAC technician will also level the unit and clean the filters as well as the evaporator coil. The goal of the inspection is to find out the overall efficiency of all the units of the HVAC system. Once the job is done, the technician will prepare a detailed report of the inspection for your understanding. If the HVAC system or any of its components has a problem, a proper inspection will bring it to light so that you can get the maintenance or required repair. If you plan for a professional inspection of your facility’s HVAC system, reach out to one of our highly experienced technicians at the APS Hoods in Denver, Colorado.

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HVAC Troubleshooting

The goal of troubleshooting is to identify and solve issues. If you plan to quickly fix the problems with your restaurant’s HVAC system, you need to get troubleshooting done by highly skilled technicians. At the APS Hoods, our professionals perform troubleshooting of a wide range of HVAC systems and diagnose and establish a plan of action to fix the problems in a professional manner. HVAC troubleshooting by an expert involves the identification of a problem, diagnosing the problem correctly, and then developing and implementing a plan of action, and then verifying the system for functionality. Most of all, the technician documents every detail of the entire procedure for your record. In order to diagnose problems with the HVAC system, technicians first begin with the visible components and then work their way to the inner parts of the system. So, the HVAC technician will first troubleshoot whether the system has power. Next, the specialist will move on to the service panel and see if the circuit breaker has tripped or not. The heater or the furnace and the A/C unit each have their own circuit breaker or fuse. If the fuse has tripped, broken, or blown, the troubleshooting will reveal the fault for the removal or replacement of the circuit breaker. The next step in HVAC troubleshooting is to check the thermostat for power. The HVAC troubleshooting involves checking the furnace, the air conditioner, and the ventilation units. Experienced technicians employ a wide variety of techniques and tools to carry out the troubleshooting in a proper manner. The technician checks the HVAC air conditioning unit for air filters circuit breakers, vents, outages etc. The outside A/C unit is also checked during the process. At the APS Hoods, we have an expert team of highly qualified, trained, and experienced technicians for professional troubleshooting of all sizes and models of HVAC systems.

HVAC Repair

It is not uncommon for HVAC systems to develop various kinds of issues over time. Most minor issues will go away with maintenance and cleaning of the coils and the filters. Regular servicing and preventive maintenance are key to avoiding a number of HVAC issues. Other problems will require immediate attention from the facility manager or the owner of the restaurant. What is important is that you keep a close watch on the performance of your facility’s HVAC system. As soon as you spot any problem with the system, you should call inexperienced HVAC technicians. Key signs that you need HVAC repair include:

Change in Airflow:

If there is a change in the airflow of your HVAC system, it will not cool off in an effective manner. Slower than normal airflow takes its toll on the efficiency of the system and the A/C unit does not get as cold as it used to be. This can be an indication of a problem with the compressor. So, you should get in touch with an HVAC technician for the required repair.

High Energy Bill:

A steady monthly bill means your HVAC system is functioning in a proper manner. But if the bill amount continues to increase month after month, this is a warning sign. If there is something potentially wrong with the system, the consumption of energy will be higher. It usually happens with the change in season. Fluctuations in the energy bill should be taken as a warning sign and you should immediately seek the help of professionals to get repairs done.

Old Age:

Different kinds of problems will arise as your HVAC system gets older. Every type and model of HVAC has a certain lifespan. Once it passes that period, you should expect to see problems. While regular preventive maintenance can prolong the lifespan by a couple of years, it can not fully restore the previous efficiency level. Either the problems will go away with repairs or you will ultimately need to replace your old HVAC system with a new one.

Noises and Smells:

If your HVAC system makes unusual sounds, it is a sign there is something wrong. Not just sounds, but the machinery also begins to give off smells like that of dirty socks. Noises and smells coming from the system mean you need repair services as soon as possible.

Moisture or Dust Buildup:

Excessive deposits of moisture or dust in your commercial kitchen or restaurant facility signal a problem with the HVAC system. Such problems will possibly require the cleaning of the entire system, vent hood cleaning, and duct cleaning. The technician will find out and fix if there are other problems that lead to the excessive dust buildup.

Power Failure:

A sudden power failure of the HVAC system is a potential sign there is a problem. If the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment gets turned off or the circuit breakers trip frequently, you should call in HVAC specialists to troubleshoot and carry out the necessary repairs. If you ignore these signs, it can take a toll on the electrical components of the system. Seeking the help of professionals for timely repairs will save you both money and time. At the APS Hoods, we have an expertly trained team of professional technicians to carry out all kinds of HVAC repairs. Getting the repairs done without any delay will help you run your restaurant business smoothly as well as avoid damage to other components of the HVAC system. Feel free to talk to one of our HVAC specialists for further details on HVAC system repair service.

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Talk to an Expert HVAC Technician

If you have an HVAC system installed in your commercial facility, you should give it timely maintenance and repair to prolong its lifespan. Whether you have noticed strange furnace noises, thermostat malfunctions, mechanical wear and tear, water leaks, or ignition problems, you should always rely on experienced technicians for high quality services. If your commercial kitchen or restaurant is located in Denver, CO, you should head straight to the APS Hoods for expert installation, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of a wide range of HVAC systems. Schedule your free HVAC consultation with one of our specialists to find out how we can help you fix the problems with your facility’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to increase efficiency and lower your energy bills. You can reach out to our Denver office via a quick phone call or email. Read More Articles:

HVAC System: Summer is a Perfect Time for Adjusting by APS Hoods

Written by Masoud Farazandeh on August 10, 2018. Posted in Commercial Kitchen Cleaning, Commercial Kitchens, HVAC, Makeup Air

Image Source Denver, CO – While commercial kitchens always run hotter than dining areas, in the summertime–restaurant kitchens become can become hazardously hot. Furthermore, restaurant owners find that their energy bills–from cooling, fan use, and unbalanced air, etc.–increase dramatically. This ends up leeching resources from their profits. It also makes summer an ideal time to fine-tune and check your commercial kitchen HVAC system professionally. Here are some common problems that may be plaguing your restaurant in the warmer months:

Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.

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Cool Air Is Pulled Out Through Exhaust Fan

Is your air conditioning bill incredibly high, while your establishment always seems inadequately cool? What may be happening is that your cold, conditioned air is being circulated out of your exhaust hood due to a lack of make-up air. Instead of just doing its job of pulling gasses and hot air from above the stove, the exhaust hood can sometimes suck out the desirable air from inside your building. This often creates a vacuum effect in your entire restaurant, where it becomes difficult to open doors without them slamming you upon closing. The solution to this problem is as simple as installing a makeup-air unit. This kind of unit in your kitchen will generate much needed negative air pressure that will disallow unpleasant smells from flowing out into your general building, while also not letting your air-conditioned air to so easily escaping through the vents.

Grease Filters Making Your Ventilation Ineffective

Spring, and especially summer, tend to be the busiest and most profitable month for any restaurant. People are out and about on the town, looking for new eateries to discover. This brings many more people to your establishment than during the harsher seasons of the year. However, the increased amount of cooking also results in clogged grease traps, which may need to be changed out more often than recommended. Clogged grease filters can cause your kitchen to overheat. Then, your air will become unclean, as a dirty filter cannot function at top capacity. This will cause both the kitchen and dining area to become smoky or otherwise unpleasant in odor. Moreover, your air conditioning bill will rise ever higher, while your exhaust fan will need to work harder to compensate for all these issues. This makes for employee health dangers, customer discomfort/dissatisfaction, and higher bills for you! It is easy for even the most disciplined restaurant crew to forget to monitor their grease filters, but it is necessary to keep tabs on the situation to maintain the optimal function of your HVAC system. It is smart to schedule routine filter changes throughout the Spring and Summer when business really picks up. Learn more about: Grease Management Tips for Restaurant Cleanliness & Fire Prevention For an air balancing test to determine whether your cold air is being cycled out of your establishment or, for grease filter service, call APS Hoods. We will help your restaurant to remain safe and help you to save money on energy bills. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Farazandeh are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Makeup Air, restaurant construction | APS-HOODS | Denver Colorado

Makeup Air and The Importance in Commercial Kitchens | Denver, CO

Written by Masoud Farazandeh on June 25, 2018. Posted in Commercial Kitchens, HVAC, Makeup Air

Image Source Denver, CO – The same exhaust fans that are keeping your commercial kitchen comfortable and protecting the area from overheating may also be creating air imbalance problems throughout your establishment. Because the size, design, door, and window placement of every building varies, the mechanism by which the atmosphere of your restaurant can best be corrected is most accurately established by an HVAC professional. They can provide what is called a Makeup Air service, which essentially replaces the air lost through hood fans with a special unit, which avoids some of the problems which present themselves when air from other areas of the home or building replace that lost air.

Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.

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Negative Air Pressure

If the exhaust fan was not installed/incorrectly installed, or simply, if the makeup air from the fans is not enough to replace the air exiting from the stove area, negative air pressure can occur. Negative air pressure creates a sort of vacuum in your space, where windows and doors can shut suddenly, dust particles can settle fast onto surfaces or food, and whistle-like noises can also persist when air is let out or into space. These are very undesirable conditions for a dining or cooking area because of hygiene reasons as well as the disruption of ambiance this can create.

Draft-back

With negative air pressure sucking everything back into your space, the gasses that are supposed to be going out from your chimney will actually come back in, creating a health hazard. This can set off carbon monoxide detectors and threaten the safety of your patrons and employees.

Inefficiencies in Hoods

The exhaust hood, unaided by the sufficient amount of make-up air, will–in turn–not be able to process the amount of air it was designed to handle. Over time, you will notice a buildup of grease and grime on your kitchen surfaces. Also, unpleasant cooking and other smells will seep into all the space pockets of your building, including the dining areas, where patrons are trying to enjoy their food!

Higher Energy Expenditures

Insufficient replacement air in your kitchen will encourage the air from outside to be absorbed inside. This ends up throwing the heating and cooling conditions out of balance when your heater or air conditioner tries to counteract the problem. Your establishment will probably run too hot or too cold at all times, causing freezing or condensation and never really achieving a comfortable state. You, as the restaurant owner will only get a higher energy bill and a big headache trying to figure a way to finally stop this air imbalance problem. However, the problem is one for the professionals with a good diagnostic system that needs to be applied in a customized manner to every restaurant space with the care each one deserves. For help with replacement Makeup Air in your Denver-area commercial kitchen, contact APS Hoods today. © 2018 Millionairium and Farazandeh. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Farazandeh are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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